Turkish football commentator Ilgaz Çınar has advised Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen not to attach importance to controversial comments made by Galatasaray vice-president Mehmet Cibara about his injury.

Cibara had sparked criticism after describing Osimhen's knee injury as a chronic problem while dismissing suggestions that the club's playing surface contributed to recent injuries involving the Nigerian and AC Milan forward Rafael Leão.

The remarks attracted backlash from Galatasaray supporters, with some fans reportedly demanding his resignation.

However, Cibara later apologised and clarified that he had mistakenly used the word “chronic” instead of “acute”, insisting that Osimhen did not have a chronic illness.

Reacting to the controversy, Çınar said he hoped the Nigerian international would not interpret the vice-president's comments negatively or allow them to affect his relationship with the Turkish champions.

Speaking as quoted by Habersarikirmizi, the commentator recalled the circumstances surrounding Osimhen's move from Napoli to Galatasaray, describing the social media controversy involving the Italian club as a factor in the striker's departure.

He urged Galatasaray officials to ensure that the intended meaning of Cibara's comments was properly communicated to the player.

Osimhen sustained the knee injury during Galatasaray's 2-0 Champions League victory over VfB Stuttgart on November 3. He subsequently underwent surgery after medical examinations revealed a problem requiring treatment.

The injury ruled him out of Nigeria's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Tanzania.

Despite his absence, the 27-year-old has remained an important figure for Galatasaray, scoring nine goals in eight Turkish Super Lig appearances this season.